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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Week of November 1 – November 7, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

This Week’s Events:   

     nov. 1-7

Friday, November 1

Ski & Snowboard Movie Benefit: 75

Trombley Auditorium, Maple Avenue, Middle School, 515 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m. Alpine Sport Shop in Saratoga Springs will host Warren Miller’s New Ski & Snowboard Movie 75, which celebrates 75 years of ski movies! Tickets are $15 purchased in store, in person at Alpine Sport Shop, 321 Clinton St. Saratoga Springs and $20 at the door, the night of the event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.  All profits will benefit Saratoga High School Alpine Ski Team and Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program.

Saturday, November 2

Annual Fall Artisan Sale

Barn at the Bridge, Lake Hill Rd., Burnt Hills | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Barn at the Bridge is hosting our annual Fall Artisan Sale. Bring the whole family- we have food trucks, live music, farm animals, and 30 + vendors. This curated event features true craftmanship and spotlights so much local talent. Come see familiar faces and many new vendors. Shop for the Holidays and support your local Artisans. The event continues on Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 

Gem & Mineral Show

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Eight local mineral, fossil and jewelry dealers will be on hand. Shop for rocks, minerals, gems, fossils, handmade jewelry, metaphysical stones, and more. Admission $5, children under 12 and Scouts in uniform are free when accompanied by an adult. The event continues on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Sunday, November 3

Fallback 5 Mile Trail Race

Saratoga Spa State Park, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs | 10 a.m. It’s that time of year! Set your clocks back, fall back in bed for that extra hour, and emerge bright-eyed and bushy tailed, ready to breathe crisp, autumn air and tackle some serious trails in historic Saratoga Spa State Park. The Fallback 5 Mile Trail Racecourse is a combination of hills, ridges, and single track, with a few wide trails, paved sections, and grassy areas, showcasing sections of the park some may have never seen before. This is nature’s original obstacle course at its finest. (There is even a stair climb on a section near SPAC.) Registration and early bib pick up, in person on Saturday, November 2 from Noon – 2 p.m. at iRun Local, 425 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, pre-register fee is $30 (cash or check only). Last minute registration 8:30 – 9:30 on race day, fee is $35. 

Monday, November 4

Galway Preservation Society Meeting 

Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | Doors open at 6:45 p.m., followed by this month’s program at 7 p.m. on the American Revolution. This month we shall see a newly released documentary celebrating America’s 250th birthday.  This video focuses on the local area and was created by Ballston Town Historian Rick Reynolds, the film’s director, and Galway resident and videographer Dave Waite.  Both Rick and Dave plan to be in attendance to answer questions after the presentation.  Our programs are open to the public, free of charge.  Annual family or household memberships are available for $10 per year.  Please join us to learn more about America’s history.

Tuesday, November 5

Annual Election Day Chili Feast

The Malta Ridge Methodist Church, 729 Malta Avenue Extension, Malta Ridge | 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The menu will feature chili, tossed salad, hard rolls, and homemade cookies.   Eat-in or take-out is available.  Donation is $10. Tickets will be sold at the door.  For additional information or directions please call the Church at 518-581-0210.  

Annual Election Day Chicken & Biscuit Dinner Take Out

Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd. Middle Grove | 4 – 7 p.m.   Drive thru-take out only.  Tickets: $12 includes chicken & gravy with peas and carrots, homemade biscuit, apple crisp.  Dinners Tickets $12. 

Take-Out Chicken BBQ & Bake Sale

Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine Rd., Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Ladies of Charity will be hosting the dinner. meal includes, ½ of Chicken, cornbread, roasted potatoes, and side of coleslaw. Price is $18 (cash or check only). Call Gail Veith at 518-429-9455 to reserve your meal. Bake sale will include: cakes, breads, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, muffins, and other specialties homemade by our members. 

Wednesday, November 6

Medicare 101

Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10:30 a.m. Attend this informational program with Medicare specialist Audra Higgins to learn more about Medicare plan types, the enrollment process, changing to a different plan, and beyond. The 2025 Medicare plan annual enrollment ends in December. Registration required. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Senior Housing Options 

Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave., Saratoga Springs | 1:30 p.m. Presented by Choice Connections. Join us for a conversation with local housing placement expert and certified senior advisor, Renee Birnbaum from Choice Connections NY. This talk will help you understand home care options and cost of care, senior housing options: cost, amenities and levels of care, as well as an overview of other care options and resources in community to help you age in place.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Dinner

Saratoga Wilton Elks Lodge, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6 p.m. For curbside pickup only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. and noon to place an order at 518-584-2585. Menu: boneless stuffed chicken breast with gravy, mashed potatoes, vegetable, cranberry sauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner for $15 (cash only). 

Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 W. High St., Ballston Spa | 5 – 7 p.m. Make pumpkin puree for pumpkin spice latte (coffee), pumpkin chia latte (tea), or pumpkin pie. Made with homemade oat milk. Register at 518-885-8995. Cost is $15. 

Poetry Reading 

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | Sign ups 6:30 p.m. Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Joseph Bruchac. An open mic poetry reading will follow. The readings will start at 7 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. The featured reading will also be livestreamed. You can find a link for the livestream at caffelena.org. 518-583-0022.

The CCC in Saratoga County and the Adirondacks

Online Zoom Event | 7 – 8:30 p.m. Join Marty Podskoch, historian and author, as he discusses the role and legacy of the CCC in our area. The Civilian Conservation Corps began under President Roosevelt’s New Deal to relieve the poverty and unemployment of the Depression. There were over 200 CCC camps in New York State, including one locally in Stillwater, from where men worked developing Saratoga Battlefield as an historic site. A Zoom link will be sent out within 24 hours of the start. This event is free for members. The event is open to the public. It is free for SCHC members, and $5 for non-members. Pre-registration is required through the website www.brooksidemuseum.org

Thursday, November 7

Washington’s Wartime Cooks

Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center, 648 NY 32, Stillwater | 6:30 p.m. Although there is only one “Washington’s Headquarters” in New York, there are numerous signs around the region stating, “Washington slept here.” Which means he also ate there. Typically, however, not food prepared by the household’s cook, but by his own staff, led by Hannah Till, an enslaved woman, and her husband Isaac. Who were they? What skills may they have had? Join us as we look at current research on Hannah & Isaac and ponder what it may have been like to travel and cook around the region for Washington. Reservations are required by emailing sara_reservations@nps.gov. Please include the date of the program you wish to attend.

Ballston Spa Zoning Meeting

Cornell Cooperative Extension Auditorium, 50 West High St., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m. The Village of Ballston Spa Zoning Advisory Committee will hold the meeting to discuss their recommendations on changes to the Village Zoning Code. The meeting agenda will focus on zoning recommendations for mobile homes, condos, flood maps and flood insurance. The public is welcome to attend in person or5 through the Zoom link posted on the Village’s website at www.ballstonspa.gov. 

Metroland Returns as Metroland Now

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

ALBANY — Metroland, published from 1978 to 2015, has relaunched as a non-profit with a mission of being a source for arts and entertainment in the region, with a special focus on nonprofits and small businesses. 

“Our vision for the Metroland Now is to bridge the gap between the different cities in our area—Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Saratoga,” said Erin Harkes, editor in chief and publisher of Metroland Now. “We want to encourage folks to travel outside of their area a bit. Saratoga is not that far from Albany. We want to physically bridge the gap and remind people of the incredible events happening here and get them excited about coming back out.”

Metroland Now will publish monthly. 

Harkes leads a team that includes graphic designer Kiki Vassilakis, associate editor TJ Foster, multimedia manager Andy Scullin, and a total of 10 volunteers – six of whom had been with Metroland from its origins. 

“If we treat our region like one big, beautiful city I think we can see some positive results for our vibrant arts and entertainment scene,” said Harkes in a statement. “There’s no reason we can’t rival places like Austin, Texas with the amount of talent this region has to offer.”

Hard copy issues may be picked up at some area Stewart’s locations, as well as Caffe Lena. For a full list of pick-up locations and more information, go to: www.themetroland.com. 

Chicago Singer-Songwriter:Two New Albums and aStage Show at Caffe Lena Nov. 7 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Chicago-based singer-songwriter Michael McDermott, fresh off the release of September’s release of two new albums, performs at Caffe Lena at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7. 

The two full albums, one acoustic and one electric, were released on the same day as companion pieces of work. The titles are: Lighthouse on the Shore, the acoustic opus, and East Jesus, the electric collection.

“I guess it’s always been a bit of a balancing act, my multiple personalities,” said McDermott, in a statement. “One of my personalities grew up listening to early Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Odetta, traditional Irish music, and Tom Waits. The other one was raised on The Stones, The Who, Van Morrison, and U2. My songwriting varies wildly, to sometimes great effect and other times a seemingly incoherent array of songs that never find homes on my albums. This time I thought I’d lean into both, make a quiet record and a loud one.”

For more information, go to: caffelena.org. 

Saratoga Children’sTheatre Presents Junie B. Jones

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS— Saratoga Children’s Theatre presents Junie B. Jones Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 10 and 17 at 1 p.m.  

The play is based on the beloved book series as Junie navigates first-grade adventures with humor. Co-directed by Lauren Shirnhofer and Jaynie Parmenter with Thomas Odell as the music director.

For tickets and more information, go to: https://www.saratogachildrenstheatre.org. 

Troy Glow 2024, 10-Day Public Art FestivalWill Light Up Downtown, Nov. 1-10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.


Troy Glow 2024 will be staged over a 10-day period beginning Nov. 1 in downtown Troy. Photo provided. 

TROY —   Thirty minutes from Broadway in Saratoga Springs, Broadway in Troy and surrounding blocks will celebrate Troy Glow 2024 with a dazzling 10-day, free, family-friendly festival that will light up downtown Troy, Nov.1 to Nov. 10.

On Friday, Nov. 1, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., there will be an Opening Night Reception at The Tavern Bar, located at 217 Broadway. Free tours of Glow installations will be given every hour on the hour from 6 to 8 p.m. starting outside The Tavern.

On Sunday, Nov. 3, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. there will be a family-friendly Troy Glow Block Party and Parade in Franklin Alley, between River Street and Broadway. A variety of events are  scheduled throughout the 10-day festival.

Troy Glow is a project of the Arts Center of the Capital Region in partnership with the City of Troy and the Downtown Troy BID. The project is supported by a grant from Empire State Development, and I LOVE NY/NY State’s Division of Tourism, awarded through the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

More information about events and a walking map can be found at www.TroyGlow.com.

“Baking is love Made Visible”

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Food.


Hello  my Foodie Friends!   

It is the beginning of November and the holidays are right around the corner. In the first days of November, many of us will start planning holiday dinners and baking. While many people start counting down the shopping days left until Christmas, we may be counting the number of Saturdays we have to bake this season and also have to start menu planning for the several big family dinners we will host over the next two months. First thing to do is make a good, old fashioned list. Write down every dish you think you’d like to have for a holiday dinner, or if it’s about baking, then every item you want to bake. A list always helps to drill down to exactly what will be on the menu or what to bake. It is such a wonderful time to bake some of our favorite recipes. Recipes that include; apples, plums, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel can be features in warm and comforting cakes and desserts. Time to start getting ready for baking season!

How many of us have memories of baking as a child? I have to give my mother credit. Having five children running around the house and trying to get us all to join in to make an afterschool treat was not always a successful feat. Her methodology would include giving each of us an assigned duty with a designated spot in the kitchen. One thing to realize when baking with kids, is that it will be messy…it’s ok! My mother would take a deep breath and carry on as flour went flying or an egg hit the floor or the wall. Selecting which recipe to make included having to use some argumentation skills. What my mother did instead was to let us select two or three recipes, and then put on the calendar when we would make them. When the final product came out of the oven smelling delicious, the five of us would be so proud of what we accomplished. The best part of the experience was sharing what we made with friends in the neighborhood or bringing it to visit another family member, or even just taking about the experience at the dinner table that evening. My mother would smile, even if the experience made her crazy. 

There are many wonderful holiday traditions to bring in your home to help you embrace this beautiful season. Baking with your family is one of those traditions. As the weather cools, now is the time to get into the kitchen and start baking up a storm. Stop by Compliments to the Chef, your Neighborhood Kitchen and Cutlery store located at 33 Railroad Place to help with the baking supplies you will need to have fun making your creations from baking pans, to rolling pins, measuring cups, spoons, spatulas, whisks, bowls, cookie cutters, scoops…you get the idea! Remember my Foodie Friends; “Life Happens in the Kitchen”. 

Take Care,
John & Paula

Skidmore Biology Professor Wins Global Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


Skidmore College Professor of Biology Jason Breves poses with some of his research subjects. Photo via Skidmore College.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College Professor of Biology Jason Breves recently became the first researcher from a liberal arts college to receive a top global honor in the field of comparative endocrinology when he won the 2025 Grace E. Pickford Medal from the International Federation of Comparative Endocrinological Societies.

Upon receiving the medal, Breves will deliver a lecture describing his research at the federation’s conference in Sendai, Japan in July 2025.

“I’m honored to receive this medal from such a distinguished community of endocrinologists and appreciate that the research I’ve pursued is receiving this recognition,” Breves said in a statement. “I’m especially proud to see Skidmore listed among the small number of top institutions whose researchers have received the Pickford Medal. This award is an example of our strong natural science programs at Skidmore and the robust research that fellow faculty and I have been able to pursue together with Skidmore students.” 

The lead scientist in Skidmore College’s Laboratory of Comparative Physiology, Breves works to understand how the endocrine system enables animals to thrive in dynamic environments.

$52K in Scholarships Up For Grabs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

WILTON — Kelly’s Angels, a local charity, announced last week that it is now accepting applications from high school seniors for its expanded college scholarship program that includes 14 Capital Region institutions and $52,000 in scholarships. 

“These scholarships aim to encourage students who have faced adversity at a young age to keep persevering and moving forward,” said Mark Mulholland, founder and president of Kelly’s Angels, in a statement.

Two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded at each of the following area high schools: Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Central Catholic, South Glens Falls, Fort Edward, Glens Falls, Hoosic Valley, Hudson Falls, Lake George, Mechanicville, Queensbury, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, Shenendehowa, Stillwater, and Whitehall.

To qualify for this scholarship, the student must be a graduating senior at one of the 14 eligible high schools, have plans to continue their education at an institution of higher learning, be a hardworking student (but not necessarily the highest achieving), have a need for financial assistance, have persevered in the face of adversity, and have shown a commitment to serving others, especially other children.

Online applications are being accepted now through March 14, 2025. For more information, email kellysangelsinc@gmail.com. 

Kelly’s Angels is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports children in New York’s Capital Region whose lives have been forever changed by the loss of a parent or sibling to cancer or other illness, and families who are battling a life-threatening condition. Kelly’s Angels was founded in 2010 by WNYT-TV/NewsChannel13 anchor Mark Mulholland in memory of his late wife, Kelly, who lost her battle with cancer in 2007 at the age of 37.

Empire State U Prof Releases New Book on Celebrities and Parasocial Relationships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.


The cover of Empire State University Professor Gayle Stever’s new book, “Parasocial Experiences: Psychological Theory and Application,” released last Friday via
Oxford University Press

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gayle Stever, a professor in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Empire State University, has co-authored a new book titled “Parasocial Experiences: Psychological Theory and Application.” The book, published by Oxford University Press, was released on October 25.

Giles addresses theoretical traditions and how they relate to parasocial relationships, including psychoanalytic theory and dream analysis. Stever offers her insight from the participant observer, which she conveys through interviews with famous actors who have active fan groups, including Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Robert Picardo, and Denise Crosby.  

Stever also explores the implications of a newer dynamic within parasocial relationships with the use of Cameo, a website where fans can purchase a custom-made video, for a fee, on a variety of topics from their favorite celebrities. 

Stever said parasocial relationships have always existed in pop culture and the increase in access to like-minded fan communities on the internet has caused them to become an even more visible aspect of pop culture.

“All one has to do is go back to the era of Elvis or Beatlemania to see that these influences in our culture have been significant as a part of mass media culture,” Stever said in a statement.

Stever and her co-author David Giles are well-revered in the field of parasocial relationships and previously co-authored “Understanding Media Psychology,” which is currently undergoing revision for a second edition.

Love Our Locals Campaign Returns

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.


Chamber President Todd Shimkus (right) poses with Joann and Matt Swapp of Saratoga Wine Exchange in support of the Love Our Locals $20.24 campaign. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its Love Our Locals $20.24 campaign, an initiative that emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and non-profit organizations.

The campaign will begin on Friday, November 1 and continue until the end of the year. During this time, residents and tourists who support any business or non-profit in Saratoga County by spending or donating $20.24 or more are eligible to enter a gift card giveaway. 

Individuals are encouraged to submit their receipts of $20.24 or more online at www.saratoga.org/love-our-locals to enter. Each week, the Chamber will randomly select winners for $100 in gift cards to businesses across the county.

Love Our Locals $20.24 is sponsored by SaratogaWine.com and other area businesses that donate gift cards as prizes.